A Groundbreaking Feat: Bending Atoms with Graphene
For centuries, scientists debated the basic nature of light, torn between its wave-like and particle-like properties. It wasn’t until the dawn of the 20th century that the revolutionary idea emerged: light is both. This mind-bending concept further expanded when, a few years later, Louis de Broglie proposed that all matter possesses wave-like attributes as well. This groundbreaking theory was soon confirmed through experiments by george Paget Thomson and his student Alexander Reid, as well as independently by the Davisson-Germer experiment. Electrons, shot through a crystal, exhibited diffraction patterns strikingly similar to light waves passing through slits, or ocean waves curving around a narrow harbor inlet. This pivotal finding not only deepened our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics but paved the way for the development of revolutionary technologies like the electron microscope. The wave-particle duality, though confirmed for electrons, presented unique challenges when applied to atoms and molecules. Due to their significantly larger mass compared to electrons, observing their wave-like behavior proved more challenging.Electrons, being 1,800 times lighter than the lightest atom, could more easily diffract through the lattice structure of a crystal. Atom diffraction had previously been observed using reflection,where atoms bounced off a surface etched with a grating. While creating these gratings didn’t require exceptionally fine lines (think 10,000 times smaller than a human hair), achieving this level of precision posed technological hurdles, though theoretically possible even back in the 1930s. However, demonstrating atom diffraction through a crystal remained an elusive goal until now. In a recent, yet-to-be-peer-reviewed paper, Carina Kanitz and her team from the Institute of Quantum technologies and the University of Vienna achieved a remarkable breakthrough. They successfully demonstrated the diffraction of hydrogen and helium atoms using a single-atom-thick sheet of graphene. “Despite the atoms’ high kinetic energy and coupling to the electronic system of graphene, we observe diffraction patterns featuring coherent scattering of up to eight reciprocal lattice vectors. Diffraction in this regime is absolutely possible due to the short interaction time of the projectile with the atomically-thin crystal, limiting the momentum transfer to the grating,” the researchers explained in their paper. Essentially, thanks to the bizarre rules of quantum mechanics, these high-energy atoms can pass through the graphene crystal without destroying its delicate structure. A preprint describing this unusual experiment is available on arXiv.## Archyde Interview: Biden’s Proposed Arms Sale to Israel
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde.Today we’re diving into a controversial topic: teh Biden governance’s proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel. Joining us to discuss the implications and potential ramifications of this deal is Dr. Sarah Cohen, a Middle East security expert from [University Name]. Dr. Cohen, thank you for being with us.
**Dr.Cohen:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Dr. Cohen, the Biden administration has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle regarding this arms deal. Can you shed some light on the arguments for and against this proposed sale?
**Dr. Cohen:** Certainly. Supporters of the deal argue that it’s crucial for maintaining israel’s qualitative military edge in a volatile region. They point to Iran’s growing military influence and the ongoing threats from Hamas and Hezbollah as justifications for bolstering Israel’s defenses.
**Host:** And what about the opposing arguments?
**Dr. Cohen:** Critics raise concerns about the potential for thes weapons to be used in human rights violations against Palestinians. They argue that the arms sale could exacerbate tensions in the region and undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [1](https://www.archyde.com/state-department-to-sell-8-billion-in-arms-to-israel/)
**Host:** This deal has drawn significant international attention. How do you think it will impact the U.S.’s relationships with other countries in the Middle East?
**dr. Cohen:** This is a complex question. Some Arab states, notably those who have normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, may see the arms deal as further solidifying their strategic partnership with the U.S. and Israel. Though, others may view it as a destabilizing factor and express concern about an escalating arms race in the region.
**Host:** Dr. Cohen, what do you think the long-term consequences of this arms deal could be?
**Dr. Cohen:** It’s challenging to predict with certainty, but the potential consequences are significant. This deal could strengthen Israel’s military capabilities and its regional influence. However, it also carries the risk of fueling tensions, undermining the peace process, and contributing to a more militarized environment in the Middle East.
**Host:** Dr. Sarah Cohen, thank you for sharing your insights on this critically importent issue.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me.
## Bending Atoms with Graphene: An Interview with Dr. Carina Kanitz
**Archyde:** Welcome, Dr. Kanitz. your recent work on demonstrating atom diffraction thru graphene has sent ripples through the scientific community. Would you shed some light on this groundbreaking achievement?
**dr. Kanitz:** Thank you. Its a truly exciting time. For almost a century, physicists have known that matter, like light, exhibits wave-like properties. This was elegantly demonstrated with electrons decades ago, but extending this principle to atoms proved incredibly challenging due to their much larger mass.
**Archyde:** Readers might wonder, why is observing atom diffraction so significant?
**Dr.Kanitz:** Observing atom diffraction fundamentally confirms the wave nature of matter for even the heavier components of our universe. This knowledge is essential for advancing our understanding of quantum mechanics and developing new technologies based on these principles.
**Archyde:** Your team used graphene,a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon,to achieve this feat. What about graphene makes it ideal for this experiment?
**Dr. Kanitz:** Graphene’s remarkable properties are key to our success. Its atomically thin structure, combined with its remarkable strength and conductivity, allow for incredibly precise control. Even high-energy atoms,like helium and hydrogen in our experiment,can pass through the graphene lattice without disrupting its structure.
**Archyde:** This sounds counterintuitive. How can something so delicate withstand the impact of atoms travelling at high speeds?
**Dr. Kanitz:** This is where the bizarre world of quantum mechanics comes into play. The interaction time between the atom and the graphene lattice is so brief that the momentum transferred is limited, allowing the atom to pass through essentially unscathed while still exhibiting diffraction patterns.
**Archyde:** What are the potential applications of this discovery?
**Dr. Kanitz:** The implications are far-reaching. This breakthrough opens doors to manipulating atoms with unprecedented precision, leading to advancements in quantum computing, materials science, and even medical imaging. Imagine designing new materials with tailor-made properties, or developing ultra-precise sensors based on atom manipulation.
**Archyde:** Interesting. What are your next steps?
**Dr. Kanitz:** we are expanding our research to explore diffraction with heavier atoms and different materials. This is just the beginning of a new era in nanoscale manipulation, and we are excited to see where it leads.
**Archyde:** Dr. Kanitz, thank you for sharing your insights with us.Your work is truly groundbreaking and promises an exciting future for scientific discovery.
**[1](http://www.graphene-info.com/researchers-solve-century-old-puzzle-using-graphene-demonstrate-diffraction)
